SoundSticks II encourages consumers to step out of the ordinary speaker world and offers sound in an original and unique package. The system, described as curvy, sleek and sexy, provides consumers with sound that is loud and clear.

SoundSticks II employs a new computer-optimized multi-band parametric equalization and Harmans unique capacitance touch control buttons on the right satellite allow for direct access to volume control

Capacitance touch control buttons provide direct access to volume control

20 Watts RMS subwoofer power output

3-piece plug and play multimedia speaker system

Stunning, original design with great sound

Features computer-optimized multi-band parametric equalization

Reviews (30)

Nice Style, Could Sound Better
The Soundsticks look nice and complement my new Mac Mini well.But they don't look quite as nice as the well-lit picture.The beads in the satellites aren't sky-blue like in the picture either.Mine are more of a dark-purple, which aren't as attractive.

Sound-wise, the satellites sound good.The subwoofer however, is a little lacking.For music where the melody is carried by the bass, these speakers won't do a good job at reproducing the sound.Instead of low musical notes, you'll hear little poofs of bass.Since much of the sound from a subwoofer is produced by the enclosure, and they sound similar to another speaker set I had with a plastic subwoofer enclosure, I think it's a matter of physics that thin plastic enclosures cannot reproduce good bass.

If you like the style, these are good.However, for a similar price I would recommend the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 which have a more traditional look, but sound much, much better.

Impressed
Looks as advertised - actually cooler in person I think.Sound quality is very high, much better than expected.Only complaint, could be louder, but certainly loud enough for anyone working at the computer which is the whole point.

***** for bang for the buck.

Great Sound - a few more details would have made it 5 stars
I went through a ton of reviews from several sites and finally settled on these speakers.I am immensely satisfied with the product - the sound is great, the look is great, but a couple things kept it from getting 5 stars and they have been mentioned in other reviews here.Why they opted not to add an on off switch is puzzling ( you have to pull the plug to turn the set off );there is a nice blue light to add some character to the subwoofer in low light setting, they could have added that feature to the soundsticks themselves, but again opted not to.All in all a great set of speakers for a decent price whether you are plugging them into your computer or mp3 player for some room filling sound.
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should have listened to the bad reviews
This thing worked for a total of 50 minutes. I bought it for work, and when I recieved it, I took it out of the box and made sure it worked, and it did. I took it to work 2 days later and it turned out to be a piece of junk. No sound came out unless I played around with the middle speaker and had it sit just right; then, after about 45 minutes, the sound was lost alltogether and I couldn't get it back. I'm going to a retail store tomorrow to get a different one that I can take back right away (if I have to) instead of waiting 2-6 weeks to send mine in and get fixed.

Not worth buying
For portable speakers for an iPod, this is an alright buy.However, after i had caried it to 2 or 3 places, and i made sure it was packed tightly so nothing would mess up, i found out that the AC adapter stopped functioning.This was bad because now I am left with speakers that can only play with batteries.Another problem with this speaker system is that its "3D surround sound processor" is not very good.No matter how close I am to the speakers, I do not change the 3D setting because it sounds the same, if not worse, as the normal setting.There isn't much point to buying specific speakers for an iPod anymore because Apple has come out with an iTrip costing $20-$25.This small device plugs into the iPod and boardcasts the iPod's music onto a radio nearby very easily.All the listener needs is a radio, and this will cost far less than the speakers.So i recomend not purchasing this, and just purchasing an iTrip if you want to hear your iPod on portable speakers.

Okay gadget if you want some thing portable
I would recommend this item stictly if you are looking for some thing portable. I was not too impressed with the sound quality, in fact it did not sound much better than my dell computer speakers. When turned to high volumes, the sound is distorted- although it sounds alright when you are sitting right by the speakers. Let's put it this way, i had MUCH better sound when i plugged my ipod into my 20-year old boom-box.
This would be a nice product to have for traveling, but i wouldn't recommend it for a home/room stereo system.
I'm returning mine today.
hope this helps.

Quite a bargain!
I recently purchased an I-Station and I love it.The I-Station is very easy use, and can do more than play iPods.If you have an MP3 player you can hook it up to the speakers using the included mini-jack.This is a way to play music from an iPod Shuffle.The fold up design is very cool, but the AC adapter is quite long.If you plan on bringing an I-Station to vacation, don't pack it in a carry on.This device is great.I would choose it over the inMotion speakers.

Great sound from a little box
I am now on my second I-Station.The first unit did not work when disconnected from AC power.Amazon was awsome (as usual) in replacing the unit ASAP.The replacement has worked flawlessly.

This little unit really delivers a lot of bang for your buck.We use it as a doc at home (the regular doc is at work), so we can charge the iPod and transfer tunes with it.When we have dinner on the patio, we just un-plug the unit and run it on 4 AA batteries (not incuded).When I have poker night with the boys, the I-Station goes with me.It is so small, it fits in my coat pocket and yet it delivers awsome sound.This unit is perfect for camping.It sits on the picnic table while I cook.The sound is great, but not too loud (which you don't want when you are camping).The sound quality is very good, but it does not hand bass to well, which is understandable given the size of the "woofer".

Don't get me wrong - this will not replace a boom box or a stereo system.It will, however, serve your needs in an office, camper, patio, etc.
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Compatible with any Windows or Macintosh desktop or laptop personal computers equipped with audio output or a headphone jack

Also great to use with portable MP3 players, discmans and walkmans ? again, simply plug into the headphone jack

Right satellite features unique Capacitance Touch volume control buttons

Bass and treble are adjusted via controls on the subwoofer

Both satellites have downfiring green LEDs, for a cool desktop look in minimum lighting environments

Reviews (31)

A Perfect Addition for Your Computer
Simply put these speakers sound and look great.While the subwoofer's size is about average the two speakers are very small and don't clutter up your desktop.Although you'll be surprised listening to these little speekers as they pack a powerful punch and sound great at any volume.Final note, if you own a Mac these speakers are exactely what its been waiting for, if you use a PC then they're still a great additon.

Not perfect, but GREAT deal for the price
Well, you know that saying that you get what you pay for? Don't expect miracles with these speakers - they're under $100, which means that they will not sound as full as many other brands. As an audiophile, I admit that this bothers me somewhat, especially since the middle ranges are lacking, and the bass can easily be overwhelming.

But on that note, it is under $100, and for that price, these are a great deal. They sound quite decent, are easy to set up (you just plug it into your laptop/iPod. No drivers needed. Nothing fancy) and are aesthetically pleasing with my iBook and iPod.

I keep my iPod 40GB on its dock, and then I plug in the green speaker cord to the little jack on the back of the dock. When I want to listen from my laptop, I easily take that same green cord out of the dock jack, and stick it into my iBook headphone jack. Easy as pie, and since the cord is long, there is a lot of flexibility.

Looks wise, it matches very well with my Apple gear, plus the two small speakers have an other-wordly green light that emanates from the bottom. I hate to sound shallow and stupid, but stuff like that amuses me to no end!

FInal verdict: if you live in a small apartment or have a small room or a small bank account, these are the speakers for you.

They may not be perfect, but for the price...
I just bought these speakers for my iMac.First off, they match perfectly to apple products.They look phenomenal with my computer and my iPod, and everyone that sees them thinks they are cool looking.

Now for the important part: sound.Right out of the box, I was disappointed with the sound.Wayyy too much treble, solid bass, but like many other reviewers have said, not a lot of middle range.However, after playing with the equalizer in iTunes, I got these to sound exactly how I like.Everyone has a different taste for sound, and personally by turning down the treble knob on the sub and instead playing with the treble on the equalizer, it created a more full sound.When they are plugged into my iPod, they are a little bass heavy, but when I'm listening to my iPod with these it's usually in a large group setting, where it doesnt really matter if they sound perfect.

Overall, if you are looking for a set of speakers for your computer for a good price, and know a little bit about how to fool with an equalizer in your main audio program, then definatley go for these.However, if you are focusing mainly on listening to an iPod with these, I'd recommend looking into different speakrs (JBL makes a cool speaker system with a dock that suits the iPod much better)

Big sound but then............
My problem is that the "touch" sensitive volume controls on the little speakers gets stuck, either too loud or no sound at all.
Oh yeah, you can't do anything to FIX the problem. So, Get a good deal, and then not be able to use them. Ever ask yourself WHY the price deal??? Now you know why!

beautiful, but acoustically flawed
my friends proudly showed me these speakers that they are able to plug right into their Ipod.the futuristic design is wonderful.trouble is, they sound terrible.my old $58 boom box has a far fuller sound then these.these kinda sound like my childhood AM transistor radio - tinny, no mid-range.if you want decent sounding speakers and not just pretty things, keep looking...
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If you love music, you'll love the Logitech Z-2300, a 2.1 speaker system that combines everything you need in a sound system: THX&reg;-certified performance and quality, beautiful looks, and more than enough power to fill your room with great sound.

200 watts of RMS power (400 watts of peak power) deliver thunderous audio for music, movies, and games

Included adapter lets you connect the speakers directly to your DVD player, CD player, or video game console

Full-featured SoundTouch wired remote control

Exercise complete control over your listening experience with controls for both master volume and subwoofer, plus a headphone jack and power/standby button.

What is THX certification?

THX certification is the ultimate mark of quality for speaker systems. It means speakers have been tested and approved by THX based upon a set of rigorous technical specifications. Few computer speaker systems meet these rigid standards.

Includes adapter for direct connection to DVD player, CD player, or video game console

Reviews (51)

good computer speakers for the price
There is a lack of mid and slight tinniness which becomes more apparent with certain types of music.This will be irritating to some people.As the rest of the sound is actually quite good this fault is furthur highlighted.The other problem is loss of detail and quality at lower volumes but not enough to call the speakers bad by any means.
The bass is very good.When you turn down the subwoofer though, you lose yet more richness in the mids.A way to compensate is to play around with the equaliser on your computer and/or soundcard.
The wow factor begins at higher volumes.These speakers can really pump it out.If you mainly want loud volume speakers that work and aren't too expensive then you've found them.If it's just low volumes you're going to be basking in then the subwoofer isn't worth the space and the lack of warmth at lower volumes might be an issue.If like me you go to both lower and higher volumes than give them a listen to before buying.
The bottom line is that they will not replace an expensive sound system.If you're looking for the best speakers ever than be prepared to add another zero to what you're spending.If you want a good enough, powerful sound for about $110 than these will do you.

Good 2.1 Speakers; Real Loud
Excellent speakers at an excellent price. I tried them with music on my computer and with a DVD player, sounds great with both. Mids are slightly lacking, but no big deal. The remote is great, 10x better than using computer controls.

Also, I only turn up the volume halfway, because that's about as loud as I would ever want to listen to music. I turned them up 3/4 once, with the bass all the way up, with my fingers in my ears. I could feel my rib cage vibrate like at concerts! I think it even squeezed out some of that new speaker smell from the bass, because there was a bit of that smell after I had them going at that volume for about a minute, and they didn't seem to be damaged.

Sometimes I think the bass on this thing gets so low I can feel it more than hear it, which is great. Sort of like the devices Steven Spielberg used in Jurassic Park to make the ground shake, simulating the impact of a T-Rex footstep.

Fantastic!
The speaker set is much more than I had hoped.Love it!!The sound is crystal clear and the small size of the desktop speakers take up less room than the cheap ones that come with a new computer.The woofer is compact and easy to place next to the desk.You would never know the sound was coming out of my laptop it is so beautiful.I'm ordering my second set for a relative.Buy, buy, buy.

Excellent bass sound with very good mid range and highs
I received the Logitech Z-2300 on a Friday afternoon. The shipment came from Dell in a brown box, and inside was the beast. It was not much inside except what I desired. I installed it as soon as I got opened the box.

After installation, which was a breeze, I turned up the sound with some dance music with deep bass. The bedroom started to shake shook from the vibration of the subwoofer. I adjusted the sub to get the sound I wanted and it was crystal clear from that point. I found the speakers to have excellent deep bass, decent mid range, and great highs. The sound is actually pretty balanced to me, but then again I am not an expert. I just know what I like.

Way to go Logitech.

incredible speakers for more than a reasonable price
i've had these speakers for about a week now and i can't get over how awesome they are. that other reviewer mentioned "lifeless" sound at lower volumes. what the heck is that all about? i haven't noticed anything of the sort. besides, these speakers are meant to be played LOUD! (why not use headphones instead, if you like it soft?) the woofie is massive, heavier than a friggin' steamroller, and its 120 watts are more than enough to reduce your crib to rubble just like that. off topic, pics make these speakers seem smaller than they are. okay, the satellites are, relatively speaking, "small", but the sound these babies emit is incredible. however, the subwoofer is pretty huge, so make sure you check out the dimensions to see if it'll fit wherever you want to put it. the overall sound is chrystal clear, no matter the volume, and the bass is so thumpin' it'll make the ladies reach climax in no time. so, if you wanna cuddle to norah friggin jones at low volume with a bottle of wine, 50-dollar speakers will do, so don't complain about these speakers cuz you don't have a clue what you're talking about. these cats are designed to ROCK!
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Amp up the power of your digital audio player or gaming console with this 3-piece music speaker system by Altec Lansing. Due to the InConcert technology, sound is directed straight ahead and to the sides, not up and down like other 3-piece speaker systems. Features two 12-1/2-watt ultra-slim, flat-profile satellites with a total of twelve 1" neodymium micro drivers, each pair powered by its own discrete amplifier; and 50-watt, 6-1/2" ported subwoofer set in a low-resonance wooden cabinet that delivers low frequency bass that rattles the room! Its wireless remote and a wired control pod controls bass, treble and master volume, and the auxiliary input jack allows you to connect to two different audio sources such as your PC and an MP3 jukebox at the same time. Includes two satellite speakers with bases; subwoofer; wired controller; wireless remote; 3.5mm audio cable; and user's manual. Made in USA. ... Read more

Features

75 Watts RMS Total System Power

Wireless Remote and Control Pod

Power and Volume Bass, Treble and Standby

Headphone Jack

105 db SPL

Reviews (14)

Altec Has Done Better
I got these speakers some time ago and they sounded bad.I packed it away until I returned from a work assignment.I unplugged my old Altec's 3 way (621) and put this on hoping for better results.All I can say is that Altec has done much better.In fact, I LOVE my old Altec 3 way.So, I am placing the old ones back on and hope it doesn't blow out.The older Altec system is perfectly balanced between the boom and treble.These are just out right unbalanced.I look forward to Altec recreating the unbelieveable sound that comes out of the much cheaper 621 model (which unfortunately has been discontinued for I guess 2 years).

I've found Nirvana with these speakers
This is the 3rd set of speakers I've had for my G4 Imac. The first set the Apple Pros that came wiith the Imac were fair, the second set the JBL Creatures were good but these are Great! The clarity, ease of setup and build quality are outstanding. You can also play them at high volume without any breakup.You won't be disappointed with these speakers.

Speakers worth the splurge...
...You will love these speakers! As soon as I plugged them in, the sound brought a smile to my face. When you spend more money on your equipment, you expect to get better results. This system keeps that promise. The six speakers in each unit produce a clear crisp sound. The mid range is clear without the muddy sound I hear in less precise speakers. Musical instruments sound separate and distinct, voices have a good presence that is not drowned out by the background tracks.

This system is plugged into my Sony television. It improves the audio on cable and satellite programs but it really shines when we play DVD movies. The enhanced sound tracks come alive and we get more of a movie theater experience. The control head on this speaker system has an input jack so you can plug in an iPod or MP3 player and listen to the player without unplugging the television (or computer) - very handy and thoughtful of Altec.

Compared to the JBL Creature II speakers or the Harman/Kardon Soundsticks, this set from Altec Lansing is superior. The speakers play louder, the placement is not so critical and the sound is more pleasant to listen to over time.

Terrific Sound, Terrific Value
As my previous speakers began to show some age, I spent some time at retail to see what is new and improved.As a Mac owner, a 5.1 setup is not particular advantageous (although they are impressive), so I focused my attention on 3 speaker systems (2 satellites and a sub) .I listened to a lot of brands and systems and generally came away unimpressed with two expections.The Altec Lansing FX6021 and a Klipsch setup.Both the Altec Lansing and the Klipsch were quite impressive.At the time, I gave a very slight edge to the Klipsch with cost being the primary factor.The Altec Lansing's were more expensive.

Then my girlfriend went online and found that the cost difference disappeared.Based on that, she purchased the Altec Lansing's as a gift for me.Now having spent a significiant amount of time with these speakers I can attest that these are fantastic speakers.The fact that they look so cool is just an added bonus!

The technology in the satellites is impressive.I have been absolutely amazed at the range they are capable of.As I listen to my music library I am presented with subtleties that I never new existed in a range of music genres from classical to country to rock to hip-hop.All genres sound fantastic.The much discussed bass response can be quirky at times, but I have found that spending a little time to adjust the settings for a particular genre or song results in improved response and more than adequate sound.I'm sure there are slightly better systems (Klipsch, for example) for bass response, but the Altec Lansing FX6021 is an outstanding system - an all-around winner.You will NOT be disappointed.

The price point is still relatively high for a 3 speaker system, especially at retail, but online the price becomes an incredible value.Go listen to these speakers, try them out and then come back and buy them here (Amazon).You will be impressed and your ears will love you for it!

It's a fantastic set of speakers
I have a Apple Studio display and a 12'' Powerbook and have researched numerous speaker offerings.After having read all of the available reviews, I chose this model because it matched Apple's latest aethetics and was loved by so many.The setup was stupid-simple and the sound was surprisingly good!I listen to a relatively wide range of music (electronic to jazz) and these speakers are able to produce great fidelity and a booming bass if needed.Do not underestimate the ability to calibrate the bass and treble separately.It makes all the difference in the listening experience.For computer speakers in the $300.00 range, these are the speakers to get!
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Bi-Amplification -One dedicated amplifier for LFT and one dedicated to the titanium mmicro drivers for precise audio reproduction

Full featured Audio Control Pod -Versatile wired remote with Volume, On / Off, and Bass controls also includes line-in, headphone jack, and proprietary M-Port for connecting compatible MuVo MP3 players

Reviews (16)

impressive quality
Creative Labs has done well with the I-trigue L3500. I set mine up yesterday for use with my Dell Inspiron 9200, and was blown away by the clarity and power of sound that this unique speaker suite delivers. It was easy to assemble, and the compact design allows the 2 desktop speakers to fit virtually anywhere. Listen with style!

Great Speakers, Great Price
This is a great set of speakers!!They work better for listening to music rather than 3D gaming, but that is to be expected.The sound is great, its clear and full.No humming from these speakers is definately a plus.They arrived in 5 days, beating Amazon's estimate by over a week!!Very happy customer!!These definately pack a punch!! Good value!!

Great Value - Good Sound
Actually I got a much better deal on these speakers at CircuitCity - they had them on sale right before Christmas for $99.00, plus with a mail in rebate of $40.00 if purchased by 12/24 - bringing my total out of pocket cost for these speakers to $49.00.Quite a steal.Setup was clear and quick.I really find the external wired volume control/headphone jack/USB port to be very handy.I wish the speaker cables were a little longer, but for most applications they should be fine.Overall, very nice speakers.

One of the BEST 2.1 speakers system in the market!
I originally owned logitech z640 speakers and was unsatisfied with them due to their lack of midrange and overpowering bass. The music sounded crappy and I hated having to deal with all the wire in a 5.1 setup. After a few days of research, i decided to go out and buy the creative l3500. I was not dissapointed! These are fantastic set of speakers with awesome design and excellent sound. The midrange and treble are extremely clear. While the bass is not as tight as that of hte z640, it's still excellent notheless. I recommend you to visit a local retail store and test them out. I garantee you will fall in love with these.

Great sound, Great Value
It's an unconventional design, but it sounds great. They're on my desk pumping out great music 12 hrs a day.I use them professionally as a first reference when it comes to audio testing.Ideal footprint.Smooth, clean, sibilence free, sub is clean without the mushy boom boom of others in this class.Easy on the eyes, great finish. I saw a curious review about break-in, can't comment on that - maybe break-in is short because after about a week I was smiling and knew these guys had hit the sweet spot.

I don't write reviews very often. These are in a class by themselves. If you are a sophisticated listener with a need for a smooth system for your PC, you won't be disappointed.
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Developed in conjunction with the Game Audio Network Guild (GANG)--which sets the "reference standard" for video game audio--the Spherex Xbox 5.1 surround sound system delivers a sophisticated 360-degree home theater experience whether you're playing Halo 2, watching Lord of the Rings, or listening to the latest U2 release. The system features five independent audio inputs (three digital, one analog, and one USB 1.1 port), so it connects easily to your game console, DVD player, CD player, portable audio device, or computer. Sound is distributed through the five satellite speakers, each with a 3-1/2-inch woofer and 3/4-inch metal dome tweeter, and the dual-vented subwoofer with its 8-inch matrix cone woofer. The system's audio enhancements include Omnipolar technology, which rations sound (30 percent direct to 70 percent reflected) in a 360-degree dispersion pattern, so listeners can position their satellite speakers in a variety of configurations, along with MaxxBass augmentation, which extends the lower end of the frequency response to deliver deeper, more natural bass tones from both the subwoofer and the satellites themselves.

The system comes with a powerful 300-watt DDX amplifier (50 watts x 3, 25 watts x 2, and 100-watt subwoofer), which eliminates signal distortion by maintaining a digital signal flow to each speaker. And thanks to the Aureus digital signal processor, listeners can enjoy rich surround sound regardless of the format, with decoding for Dolby Digital, DTS, and Pro Logic II. Additional features include an expansion slot for future compatibility and an infrared remote control with an IR receiver. The system also carries an impressive 10-year limited warranty.

5.1-channel surround sound system designed specifically to enhance video game audio

Reviews (5)

Best Quality For The Dollar
At first I was a little hesistant about the quality of the overall sound performance.When I fist turned on the 5.1 surround sound I did not hear the crisp highs, and punchy lows as promised.I then searched the output audio controls from the divices connected, IE: XBOX OPTICAL OUT, Digital out from DVD, Analog from computer/TV.I made sure each output from the afore mentioned devices was set to it's own individual "HIGH PERFORMANCE OUTPUT", and was enabled for the appropiate output, IE: DTS, Dolby Surround 5.1,7.1, Analog, Optical, Coaxial, .... Upon doing so the whole system JUMPED to life. Also make sure to set the Treble/Bass settings as well as the speaker volume for each speaker.I could not find the GUI interface controls in the downloads @ spherix.com. I only got a Texas Instruments download controller for firmware updates, and the option to download a patch for the headphone out port.NO GUI.Bottom Line..... This thing rocks just like a "Bose Lifestyle System".The only difference is it sounds better, and costs a third less.Definately Buy.Past 30 on the Dial when tuned in and the whole neighborhood is in the sweet spot.No substitute for 5.1 Dolby in game experience.

Good Times
I would just like to thank "freekyouup" for that awesome review.I couldn't have made my decision without having read that review first.Especially the part that said, "spherex is cool."That pretty much sealed the deal for me.And now I know, and knowing is half the battle.

Probably the best 5.1 sound system under $500
For the money this is a great system. It's easy to set up, you don't have to have a degree in sound design to balance your speakers and you can't beat the price. It took me longer to get it out of the box than it took me to get this puppy up and running. It will take some time finding a way to hide the wires. This is my first 5.1 surround system and after a lot of research(6 months) and hearing other systems this one beats others in its price range hands down.

On the positive side, the satellite speakers are heavy and have great output. The subwoofer is great in producing low end.You couldn't ask for more simpler hookup instructions. The omni polar design does make it a lot easier in finding the "sweet spot" no matter where you put them and they give you 2 optical audio inputs and one coaxial input as well as analogue inputs. They supply you with all the cables including a 1/8" jack to stereo RCA jacks so you could plug your Ipod, Nomad or whatever MP3 player you have. There is also a USB port for any future system upgrades via the web and an expansion slot for any future devices so this won't be an obsolete item in 6 month. Finally someone was using the old brain box. There is also a 10year-limited warranty.

There are a couple negatives. You are a slave to the IR box and the remote because this is the only way you are able to adjust any settings. I would have preferred a set of knobs on the subwoofer/amp to do some fine tweaking. And you may want to invest in a set of 20 ft audio cables (phono plug to phono plug) and a coupler for the rear speakers. Even though they give you a judicious amount of cable I found it still wasn't long enough to do what I wanted to do which was run the cables under the floor via the basement and come up the other side so you didn't see any cables hanging off of doorways and the walls. The optical cable that comes with the system was too short. I nearly broke it when I was hooking it up from my Xbox to the system. Also be careful handling the satellite speakers, those covers come off very easily so pick it up from the bottom.

To summarize, if you are looking for a reasonable priced, decent quality 5.1-surround sound system that a monkey could set up this is the product for you. Now if you will excuse me I have to get back to Doom 3.

Ciao

Trust me...there is nothing else
I've done my research and I've purchased this set for myself.There really is nothing that compares to the Spherex system within the same price range.Some might be discouraged by the Xbox logo that is on every component of this system.Some might think that's cool.Others might get the notion that it might be cheapy and/or low budget.Trust me on this...it is far from cheap.When I unpackaged my spherex system, I was amazed by the quality of each component.There are enough audio inputs to support a small Home theatre system.Two optical-in, one digital coax, a port for L-R analog, a headphone jack, and of course, inputs for all 5 speakers.The Sub is powered, not a cheesy passive sub.This will work with any game system, and other devices that support a 5.1 setup.Currently, I have my TV/vcr(analog), Xbox (optical), DVD player(digital coax), and still have room for another optical device if I choose.

My only negative on this system is the IR-reciever.It is very nice, but IF that component dies, you have no control over your audio system.The only way to control the system is through the remote which depends soley on the IR reciever being operational.Never fear...Spherex has a 10 year warranty on this thing.In 10 years, I'm sure I'll be ready for a new setup anyway...but at least my system is protected in the event that something fails.Problem is, if that IR-receiver goes...and you ship that part for replacement, you'll be unable to use your system for a while.Spherex would have been good to had some on-board controls as a backup option...but oh well.Just a minor deal in my opinion.

The sound quality is amazing.I kept reading about how amazed everyone was with the sound.Spherex uses a sound distribution method unlike most speakers you'll find.It emits sound to better reflect off of surfaces and your environment, so that you're in a "sweet spot" nomatter where you are in the room.The sound is more realistic than some of the high priced speakers that I've heard.No need for any high priced recievers and separate components.Everything is built into the sub making setup a snap.Heck, my grandma could set this thing up.If you can make your VCR stop blinking 12:00AM, then you can set this up with no problem.

Just do your research.I've read reveiws in various third-party sources (game magazines, home theater mags, audio mags, etc.) and every source rates this system very high (usually 9+ out of 10, 90+ percent, etc.) Don't be fooled by the "dorky" xbox license...this thing is so versatile, that once you hear your games, movies and music on this thing, you could care less if these things were pink with hello kitty faces painted on.

For those looking to spend under $1000 for a nice surround sound package, you won't find anything better than this.Believe me, I've looked.

video game surround sound rules
video games are so much better when you hear them in surround sound. you can hear the bad guys behind you! this is the way games were meant to be played. this system has everything you need in the box to get surround sound. spherex is cool.
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Companion 3 speakers represent a premium choice for all your computer audio sources. From MP3s, CDs and Internet radio to DVDs, streaming video and games. Hear full, rich sound from tiny satellite speakers designed to complementand conveniently attach toflat panel monitors. Its a unique combination of elegance and convenience, whether you place them on your desk or opt for a speaker-free desktop. A compact Acoustimass module adds impressive, resonant lows for intense movie and gaming effects. Bose proprietary TrueSpace signal processing adds enhanced spaciousness for lifelike sound that most conventional computer speakers simply cannot match. Companion 3 speakers also feature an easy-to-use, multi-function control pod, no bigger than a computer mouse. Speaker volume control, headphone jack and an auxiliary input for an additional audio source are all within reach. Available in Graphite with Silver trim, Companion 3 speakers let you hear music, movies and sound effects on your computer the way they were meant to be heard. ... Read more

All speaker functions controlled from a control pad about the size of a computer mouse

Converts portable audio devices into high performance mini-systems, with one simple connection

Dual inputs

Tethered control pad and headphone jack module

Reviews (14)

A musician's delight
One of the main reasons I can't give this five stars is the price. It simply isn't justifiable, even with all of BOSE's hi-tech tricks. That said, since I got this as a present, I've found it to be a blessing for my rather obtuse music collection on my comp.

From what I've read in a lot of other reviews, and based on my own experiences with the set, it seems like it's not for everyone. However, if, like me, you listen mostly to Jazz, Classic Rock, and classical music, I promise you that these speakers will tickle your inner ear.

When I first got them I compared them to some other computer speakers lying around to see what they were really about. No real competition there. Then for kicks, I put them up against my father's home stereo system. The funny thing about these little buggers is that the amount of power they give off is stunning.

Listening to Dvorak's New World, we heard oboe and bassoon parts we never knew were there before. Aretha Franklin bent and shaped the notes and rhythms in such a convincing manner that we wanted to go out to a club and see some live jazz that night. And, of course, the Rolling Stones still sounded just as fun on "Satisfaction" and ACDC still rocked their guitars as if you were listening to the recording session itself.

Maybe they don't handle music made in the last few decades (excluding jazz), but if that's not what you're looking for, than these are perfect.

On a side note, as one other reviewer mentioned, dont point the satellites directly at your face; you'll hear the wonders of the BOSE delayed sound technology much better if you point them a little away from you (the folks at BOSE actually did a pretty good job with this stuff)

PROS:
- Incredibly compact, well designed sub and satellites
- Very handy volume/mute disk that responds to your touch
- Realistic, "live" reproduction of music
- With great soundcard, these are amazing for DVD's and even games
- Need to DJ a party in your dorm or apt? Look no further
- Little attachments for LCD monitors

CONS:
- Price
- Not superbly suited for all types of music

1 of the best
i can't belive some people said these were bad or even okay. Bose is the best of the best audio.(At least thats wat i think) anyway these speakers are outstanding. When i got my first ipod, i knew i needed some speakers for these. So i looked at all sorts, until i saw this one. I think this is better then the bose soundock, because these speakers can play any mp3, cd player, or etc. If i had bought the Bose soundock, den i couldn't use my cd player, or any other device i have to put it on it. It only supports the ipod or ipod mini. The best part about these speakers is that it can be used as Computer speakers, and dats so cool. The sound is good. The price tag of $250.00 may be a lil too much for some people, but i think this is worth it. These speakers can do so much, i mean if u wanted to, u can use them as t.v speakers. These are far by the best speakers i have and u won't be dissapointed with this. I saved my money up for this, and all the hard work, was worth to get these speakers.

Pricey, but worth their weight in Gold
I cannot say enough about these speakers! The clarity of these tiny Bose speakers is amazing. Just pop in your favorite CD and you're off to heaven. Jazz and classical sound drop-dead gorgeous with this setup. Even MP3s sound crisp, clear and bright!

Outstanding speaker system
I've tried many speaker systems, including the five-speaker systems that result in cables and cords everywhere, and this unit blows all of them away. Crisp highs, solid lows and pleasant midrange make the Companion 3 a best buy in my book. They sound so great they replaced a Denon stereo/Polk bookshelf speaker system in my family room, the Bose is that good. Simple tap-to-mute makes taking telephone calls simple, and the rotating black rubber dial allows accurate sound adjustments using only a finger.

Like most Bose, just ok
These are some really nice looking speakers. My boyfriend bought them after I chided him for taking my old computer speakers. In a rush, he headed to Best Buy to buy a replacement set. He meant to buy the Companion 2, but realized his mistake when I was opening the box. Best Buy didn't want to take them back so here I am, listening to them and using them.

What you get are two small desktop speakers and a powered sub. The bass can be adjusted on the sub with a small dial. It can go from barely audible bass to way too much bass. Positioning of the speakers is very very important, and I've found that with some adjustments, they are passable. If you have purchased these speakers, do not direct the desktop speakers toward your face - you'll find they sound much better when directed away from you.

I personally would never spend so much on computer speakers, and if I did, they would be surround sound. These speakers are fine for watching a movie that doesn't have surround sound. For music, particularly .mp3's, they are terrible.

When you rip your CD's into compressed audio, you tend to brighten the highs (unless you are experienced in this sort of thing). The last thing you need for music with high midrange is these speakers. Go to a store that has displays of different speakers and LISTEN before you buy.
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The JBL Creature 3 piece speaker system includes two desktop speakers and a subwoofer. Both speakers and the subwoofer are magnetically shielded to provide the greatest protection against image distortion on a computer monitor.

The JBL Creature comes with unique "capacitance touch" volume control buttons on the right satellite.

Both satellites also have down firing LEDs for a cool desktop look in minimum lighting environments.

Excellent mid price range
These speakers are surprisingly good quality for the price.I was very satisfied with the above average sound and the price is very reasonable.The lows sound good with average mids and highs.Overall I'm very satisfied, although I don't like the touch volume control.It doesn't want to respond very well all the time.But when it works, it does well.I would recommend this product to anyone who want's good sound at an affordable price.very good for college dorm rooms.

Small Stylish Package, Big Decent Sound
I saw these speakers on the show floor at MacWorld and wanted them right away. I liked the design esthetic, plus I could actually hear them which is a bit of a miracle at a trade show.

They're definitely not audiophile quality, but for anyone who cares about bang for the buck AND look and feel these speakers will serve quite well. They give a nice rich sound for both music and game play plus they look really cool.

The only thing I'd change would be to make the downward firing LEDs brighter.

great for ipod
i have a 20GB ipod and these work great.the sound that comes out of these tiny speakers sounds so huge.they are great for ipods just plug them in and your good to go.

Best speakers in the world
Since the first day I saw these speakers I fell in love with them.

Awesome performance in a small pack. Excellent sound quailty. Real crisp sound for both gaming and real music.

This is really good for dorms as the woofer can take a small place and the satellite go anywhere you want.

good and sleek give a good look to your room and dorm rooms and also your friends envy you and stare at your speakers. a few of my friends bought after experiencing it too.

To top it all my father bought one too.

This is the best buy for speakers one can get in such a cheap amount.

Buy it now or regret forever when you see this at some one else's house

Taking a leaf from the Creative Inspire T2900, the Creative Inspire T3000 2.1 speaker system is more than an entry-level system for budget conscious users who need an extra boost for their music-listening. Powered by 6W satellites and 17W subwoofer, each satellite speaker comes equipped with a tweeter and 3 driver while the subwoofer sports a 5.25 driver. This total integration provides that ideal balance between the highs, mids and lows in any audio.

With the convenience of the wired remote and headphone jack, late night listening of your favorite CDs and MP3s is easily within reach, especially for laptop users, owners of MP3, CD, Jukeboxes and MD players.

Features

Two-Way Satellite Speaker Design

Each sonically refined speaker features a tweeter and a mid range driver to create a perfect tonal balance between highs and mids, ensuring accurate and clean music reproduction.

Good for the price
OK these sound great for $50 speakers, but they're not spectacular. Reviews here had me irrationally expecting fantastic audio pumping out of my PC. They do sound great though for just $50(ish).

Technical issues leave me less than impressed
It was because of these speaker's bargain price that I picked them up. I was impressed from the start, though they weren't as loud or clear as my roommate's JBL creature, they weren't far off, and the lower price makes up for what is ultimately a slight difference in volume and sound quality (I wasn't going to be competing with him over who had the best speakers). They were more than adequate for listening to my music (I didn't have a stereo, so my computer doubled as that). I kept the volume and bass at 3 o'clock, though the bass got distorted if I turned it up past that, if I left it at 3 and turned up the volume there was no problem with distortion worth mentioning. For the first year, these speakers worked great and I was happy with them.

Halfway through this year, the volume control goes on the fritz. It starts out as a minor problem; when I turn up the volume past 3:00, the speakers begin to tremelo. The volume fluctuates randomly, from very soft to way to loud. I find I can counteract this by just not touching the volume which isn't a problem because I never really used the volume control. What began as a nuisance turns into a problem, now anytime I bump or touch the volume it begins tremoloing and it's getting more and more difficult to keep the volume constant.

I know this is was a bargain speaker system, but I was hoping for it to last a bit longer than one and a half years without needing parts to be replaced or fixed. I was satisfied with this system until this whole issue with the volume came up. I don't know how common a problem this is for other owners, but buyer beware. I'm getting a JBL as soon as I can scrape up the dough.

Reall Great Value
I must say that this little 3 piece system suprised me. If you looking just to upgrade your computer sound from those basic speakers that usually come with it then this is for you. The bass is great (a lot better than I expected) and the speakers have a good full range and sound clean.

For excellet quality sound at a cost-effective price I highly reccommend this set.

I must also add that I tried out a couple other systems at best buy that are priced 3 times the cost of this one and this outperformes them!

Love 'em...
I'm on the really low end of sound-snobbery.I won't mess with the EQ for hours or refuse to listen to anything that's not reproduced "perfectly", but I also freak out if there's even a hint of popping, crackling, tinniness, bad bass, you get the idea.

I shopped for two weeks online before I settled on these.I read all the reviews here, and still had post-purchase anxiety while I waited for them to ship.I didn't need to worry.For the price-level they're at, these are, simply put, amazing.A major plus is the corded remote that lets you adjust the bass and volume without crawling on the floor.They have a nice full midrange.Of course you'll have to use your media player to make everything sound the way YOU like it, but that's any speaker, in my opinion. More than I expected for the price , definitely.

Altec XT1 2-Piece Portable Speaker System Built-in laptop speakers are pretty underwhelming and thats just a fact of life. Sure, theyre good for a beep here and ping there, but if youve ever tried to share your favorite song, watch a movie, or make a multimedia presentation using your laptop speakers, you know exactly what we mean. Introducing the Altec Lansing XT1 system. In addition to its thin, innovative design with removable stands, the XT1 delivers superb sound and surprisingly deep bass thanks to four full-range neodymium micro drivers and bass enhancement technology. And just like your laptop, the XT1 knows how to travel light. Because its USB-powered, theres no need for a power supply and no batteries to forget. Plug it into your USB port, press play, and youll be listening to the best portable sound youve ever heard from a laptop. Pack it up in its deluxe carrying case, and youre ready for your next trip. ... Read more

Say NO! to stock laptop speakers!
The Altec Lansing XT1 speakers are absolutely great!They have a small footprint yet fill a room with sound.They are nicely crafted and come in a well-designed padded case that fits perfectly into my laptop's carrying case.USB powered is the way to go, no external power supply needed!Sets up in a flash!

If you enjoy watching DVD's on your laptop, or listening to music, but hate the tiny sound from the stock built-in speakers this is the perfect set-up for you!

Shop around for the best deal on these as the prices vary significantly.I picked mine up for about $79.00 to give you an idea.I am not affiliated with the site, but www.pricegrabber.com is a wonderful tool for comparison shopping.I use it for just about everything.

Astounding quality
I purchased a set of these speakers from the Amazon Marketplace.Despite some problems with the shipping, I am blown away by the quality of the sound from such a tiny set of speakers from MP3 files on my PC.If you enjoy music, these speakers can definitely increase the utility of your PC for a small investment.

Perfect for the mobile laptop user
I travel a lot, and need music. This means that I feel the need to take a mobile sound system with me. So I was very interested when the Altec Lansing XT1 speakers came on the market, and got them days after they first appeared.

My setup consists of a 15" Apple Powerbook running Mac OS X and iTunes, into which I have imported a large fraction of my CD collection, and the XT1 speakers.

Here are some comments on the XT1 speakers.

1) They plug directly into the USB port of the computer, and draw their power from it. So there's no need for ugly wall-warts and international plug adapters.

2) They come with a very compact carry case, roughly half the top surface area and twice the thickness of my computer. Very light for travel.

3) The sound is superb, given the physical size. Of course, they don't put out a huge amount of power or bass volume, but for that you'd need speakers ten times the size. What they do put out compares very favorably with other speakers of similar size.

4) Setup is easy. Just plug them into the USB port. That's all. I haven't tried them on a PC, so I don't know whether the situation is the same there.

5) The distortion is very low until you turn up the volume to the point where they overload, and then you hear some clipping.

6) Amazon doesn't seem to sell these speakers, even though they have them listed, but go to your nearest Best Buys, where they're on the shelf for about a hundred and thirty dollars.

7) You can also plug other sound sources into the XT1, but you'll need them plugged into your computer anyway because that's the only source from which it is able to take power.

8) I had a curious incident, where the speakers seemed to be panning most of the way to the left, and the stereo pan control disappeared from the audio system preferences. It turned out thatthis was caused by the speakers somehow going into mono mode; the solution was to get out the Audio Midi Setup tool from Applications/Utilities, and switch from mono to stereo. I think this is the fault of Mac OS X, not of the speakers.
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I've been abducted!
These speakers from JBL are an excellent choice for those seaking quality audio and a look that's totally out of this world.I have these attached to my new iMac G5, and so far I'm totally impressed with the sound quality.iTunes never sounded better.Since the iMac's integrated speaker system is less than desireable, this system will definately complete the Mac.

The Speakers are very easy to setup.Simply plug in the the left and right sattelites to the sub-woofer, then connect the AC power adapter, then plug the whole system into the audio out port on the iMac.The power switch (button style) is on the center back of the sub-woofer.A green LED on the front of the sub indicates the system has been powered on.The speakers have both treble and bass settings built into the back of the sub-woofer (dial style).

One of the most exciting features of this system is the volume controls.There are two chrome buttons on the right sattelite speaker, one "+" and one "-".Simply touch the appropriate spot and the volume goes up or down.Tap it for incremental increases or decreases, or hold for fast increases and decreases in volume.Touch both at the same time to mute the system.To bring out of mute, simple touch either button.

Overall, I have to give this speaker system 5*****'s.I really can't think of any con's as it relates these speakers.I purchased my set through dynadirect for $99.00.The average retail cost is $199.99 if you were to buy them from the Apple store.Save some money and be pleasantly surprised by the quality.

BANGIN!
i WENT TO THE APPLE STORE TO BUY A NICE PAIR OF SPEAKERS FOR MY IPOD WHEN I RAN INTO THIS DEEP BASS DRUMMIN MULTIMEDIA MUSIC SYSTEM...BOYS' IT GOOD! aWESOME bASS...jUST HOW I LIKE MY MUSIC, LOW AND BASSY! cOOL DESIGN....
aWESOME
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The only thing more impressive than the Logitech Speaker System's great looks is its sound quality. Features 3-phase plug satellite speakers with removable grills and durable cast metal stands; and a patented pressure driver subwoofer that delivers full, rich bass, and has its own volume control. Speakers deliver 40 watts of total power, satellites have 2" aluminum phase plug drivers and subwoofer has an 8" pressure driver. Cabinets are made of brushed aluminum with woodgrain styling. Imported. Satellite: 3-3/4Wx7-3/4Hx3-1/4D" Subwoofer: 9Wx9Hx9-1/2D". ... Read more

Features

40 watts total RMS power (8.5 watts x 2, plus 23-watt subwoofer)

3-piece speaker system with 2 satellite speakers and pressure-driver subwoofer

2-inch aluminum phase-plug satellites offer clear, rich audio

Patented subwoofer technology delivers distortion-free bass

Removable brushed aluminum grilles; color-coded audio cables

Reviews (7)

WOW!
I never thought I would belive the reviews, but these speakers thump!Great sound quality, aesthetics and size!Makes any music sound good, except Country...just kidding!
Wait for the sale and buy them up!

Awesome speakers for the price!
The Logitech Z-3e have a nice range of sound.The base is fully adjustable.I find having it around mid-way is perfect for most listening needs.The highs are clean and clear, the mids are full and the bass is deep.The silver finish is also a nice touch.Look around and you can often find these for 20% less than retail.Highly recommended speakers for those on a budget!

Logitech Z-3e Speakers
After reading a couple of discouraging opinions on these speakers, I still went ahead and ordered, knowing that I could return them if I was unsatisfied.Now that I've owned them for a couple of months, I couldn't be happier with them.I know that everyone is entitled to their opinions but I, personally, can't see where the negative opinions were justified, unless those buyers didn't install the system correctly.You'll want to be sure to place the sub-woofer on the floor to get the best results as specified in the instructions.Also, the comments that the bass was too overpowering can be easily remedied with the volume control that is found on the back of the sub-woofer.If that still doesn't correct the bass, go into your computer's sound settings and adjust the tones from there.I'm convinced that these speakers are one of the best values out there.The sound quality surpasses many other speaker sets costing much more money.In my opinion, you will not be at all unhappy with the purchase of the Logitech Z-3 speakers

awesome looking, nice sounding speakers
ive been using these speakers for about three months now with my laptop. they are absolutely incredible. i liked them so much that i bought two more sets for family and friends. everyone who sees them comments on the cool looking and easy to use remote, which i think is one of the best features. also, you can take the grill off of the speakers to make them look even more sweet. i looked at a lot of other speakers before buying these, and for the price, these were by far the best deal. although they might not sound as nice as altec lansing speakers, they are pretty close. the volume goes way louder than i ever need it to go, and the sound is still sharp and clear at loud volumes. the only slight downfall is that the sub volume is on the back of the subwoofer. this is no problem for me though, since i keep my sub at a constant level anyways, unless it is for a party or something. from my experience, i have found logitech to make very durable and quality products. i would recommend these to anyone looking for quality upgrades to their current computer speakers. i have used creative, jbl, and altec lansing speakers in the past and these are definitely at the top of the list.

You get what you pay for...
Compared to my Logitech Z-2200s, it's easy to see why these retail at about half the price.

The wired remote only has a volume control unlike the 2200/2300 series which has a subwoofer volume control too, and that makes all the difference---this cheaper boomier subwoofer does tend to drown out the satellites, even when listening to jazz music let alone rock, rap, or game effects.The only thing that really sounds decent on this system is classical music...because it very seldom involves the subwoofer!

If you're patient, Logitech will probably offer a rebate on its 2300 system just as it did for my 2200, which after rebate ended up costing a mere ten dollars more than this sorry Z-3e "Premium" (gag!chortle!choke!) system does with its current rebate.
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When it comes to awesome performance in a compact design, few speaker systems compare to the VS4121. Youve got to hear it to believe it. The tweeters sing with crisp, clear highs, while a unique, down-firing midrange driver in each satellite uniformly disperses sound around the roomcreating a warmer, more natural ambiance.

The long-throw woofer brings out the thumps and bumps that make listening to music, watching movies and playing games truly intense. This versatile and compact system fits anywhereand sounds great everywhere.

Serious Power Experience what great performance is all about!

Impressive bass... Feel shakes and quakes from the front-firing, long-throw subwoofer housed in a solid-wood cabinet.

A pretty good deal
For 99 bucks I was fairly impressed with the system's overall sound quality. I have had these speakers for almost 10 months now. They get VERY heavy usage from me. I am an avid music listener. If I am at my computer, these speakers are being used. After ten months of hard usage, the volume knob is starting to give out. The sound transition is no longer smooth, and there are occasional crackles as I turn the knob. No other complaints from me, the bass is boomy, but I like it that way, so it doesn't bother me. The volume knob issue is the only thing that prevents this set from getting five stars. I will be upgrading to the Logitech Z-5500 to take advantage of the digital output of my PC. These speakers have served me well.

WARNING - SUBWOOFER HUM
I have a MSEE (Master's in Electrical Eng) - this sound system is flawed from the ground up - there is a substantial 60 Hz hum that will not go away no matter what volume level or wiring configuration you use.The company has the nerve to print in its op manual that such hum is "normal" - and therefore will not do anything to remedy it - I returned mine to Amazon within a week - I hope they have the decency not to charge me for shipping back such a defective unit.I just received a Creative Inspire 3000, which is head and shoulders better than anything I've heard from Altec Lansing.and it's $25 cheaper.

I concur...
I concur with J. Osborn(Sacramento, Ca), but I am still happy with the purchase as it was for my girlfriend and she LOVES them! I agree that the highs seem to be getting lost and I often turn the bass down, however I also realize that the bass is about 8 inches away from my head. We are evaluating how and where to place these speakers for better performance, and I think that will help. I also noticed the buzz that J. Osborn spoke of.

So I deducted 2 stars for those critisism's and then I gave 1 star back for styling and price. They are attractive speakers, if that is important to you. Amazon had these for $66 at the time, plus with the $30 credit for signing up and using the Amazon credit card, and the Amazon Associate kickback and the SuperSave Shipping, they came in under $35.

So I would say even in the $70 range, these are pretty nice speakers if you can deal with the slight buzz. Certainly you can spend more, but when can't you? We tested them first at local store and comparred with Logitech speakers in the same range and these sounded better to us there. I have a $300 surround sound from Logitech that I think is the best purchaes I have ever made, but for this price range, these are nice speakers and outside of the buzz issue (if you have it) I think you will be happy with them. As with any audio purchase, the best thing to do is listen to them before you buy them.

Great Speakers!!
I just received this set today and I must say they are well worth the money.The sound is unbelivably clear and the bass is just awesome.Great for gaming and listening to music. Not to mention I got it at a very great price using a coupon from cybuys.com.I did a lot of research to find some good quality speakers at a decent price and these turned out to be the best in this price range.

Very happy with this set
As a replacement for an old set of CS 4-Point Surrounds, these are remarkable.The soundstage is palpable, highs shimmer (with proper treble adjustment of around 70%), lows are well-defined and punchy (with bass turned down to around 25%, this thing can go a little crazy), and the convenience of having volume, bass, treble, power, AND a headphone jack on the right speaker is HUGE.

I was aware of a potential dip in low to mid-midrange frequencies due the downward firing driver; it's there, but very VERY slight.I do have a highly reflective soft pine desk, though.Volume, while not room-demolishing, is great, and distortion isn't a factor until well beyond comfortable listening volume.

Appearance is great, and the speakers themselves feel solid.This is one of the better ways I've seen the slim profile handled; like it or not, speakers size is directly proportional to their ability to move air and generate midbass frequencies.By including a 3" midrange, Altec has made a speaker than balances form and function perfectly.I can't recommend these enough, espescially at the price!
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Get full, accurate, THX-certified sound, whether it be a sophisticated cello suite or intense PC game action, thanks to this 3-pice music speaker system by Altec Lansing. Features two 20-watt satellite speakers, each with two midrange drivers that produce extremely responsive sound and a horn-loaded tweeter that offers extra-wide dispersion of those crystal-clear highs; a 50-watt subwoofer; auxiliary input jack so you can connect to two different audio sources such as a CD player and an MP3 jukebox simultaneously; and a control pod for fingertip management of bass, treble, and master volume. Includes a wireless remote control; headphone jack for private listening; easy-to-connect color-coded cables; and console gaming Y adapter. Made in USA. ... Read more

Features

Headphone jack

3-piece speaker system for PCs, gaming consoles, portable DVD players, and more

THX-certified cinema-quality sound

1 subwoofer (50 watts) and 2 satellites (20 watts each)

Control pod for adjusting volume, bass, and treble on your desktop

Reviews (17)

Great Design & Power, But Highs Can Be Peircing and Shrilly
I had bought the Altec ATP3 a couple years ago, and since having such a pleasant experience with Altec Lansing hitherto I thought it would prove wise to go out and buy the MX5021.

The build and design is utterly astounding for the price; the satellites complete with high gloss finish, sexy curves, and silver cones rimmed with black. The subwoofer however does not have the piano-quality gloss to it, but I could hardly care as I hardly ever look beneath my desk anyhow. But nonetheless the subwoofer is by no means unattractive.

The subwoofer complements the overall power of the system perfectly. It yields to the challenge of almost all classic rock tracks, though I am not sure about other genres--but I am sure it performs just as eloquently.

However, I do have one glaring gripe about this otherwise flawless speaker set. The high's can become utterly piercing at times--even lowering the midrange spectrum with an equalizer does not help the matter but merely makes it only bearable, though overtly uncomfortable. I find this strikingly odd as the set is THX certified and it should by all means not have blatant offshoot like this. However, I have noted a couple online review sites had taken noticed of this but only passed it off as a marginal, "fixable" annoyance. Perhaps, giving the benefit of the doubt, that I am placing the speakers to close to my listening vantage (about 2/3 of a metre at least) or the room I have them set in is too small. Though I have tried distancing myself as far as I could from the speakers, the highs were still noticeably shrilly to my ears. Nonetheless, Multimedia speakers SHOULD be designed in a way that they are suitable to be placed relatively close to the listener. I am very disappointed about this aspect of the speakers that otherwise mars a perfect audio system.

Future buyers beware, have a good listen to the system at retail store before buying--you may just be wasting your time.

Beautiful System Marred By One Flaw
It's too bad I had to take this computer speaker set back to the store I bought it from.I was in love with every aspect of it's design.But the Altec Lansing MX 5021 had a problem I just couldn't ignore.

First let me explain that I went through a great deal of effort researching the perfect speakers for my computer.This seemed like the best set in my price range.The speaker wattage amount was far above average.The subwoofer had enough power output to satisfy me.The smooth, black finish on the surface of the components looked professional.Even the little blue lights on the control device were pretty.Everything about this system was excellent.

Except there was a significant amount of hissing coming from the satellite speakers.Hissing is the sound you hear from any speaker that is on but no audio is coming out at the time.You usually have to put your ear right up to the speaker to hear it.But with this set, it's loud enough to hear from 3 feet away.That is totally unacceptable to me.Speakers should be dead silent if no audio is being played.Otherwise it becomes a major distraction, at least for me.

I'm an audiophile with sensitive hearing, so I'm guessing that's why nearly every other reviewer here doesn't mention the hissing problem.After I took the set back I listened to another Altec Lansing set that was on display.It had the same abnormally loud hissing!Draw your own conclusion from that.

Not bad at all, but COME ON people, stop exaggerating!
These "sound like $1000 hi-fi speakers?"They're "as good as hi-fi speakers with separate components?"My cereal almost ended up all over my monitor when I read that one.Either that reviewer has never gone anywhere NEAR a thousand dollar speaker set or they're new hires in the Altec Lansing PR department and are pushing really hard for that corner cubicle office!

My officemate has these at work, and while I do enjoy them (since he always plays music during work hours, luckily we have similar tastes) to call them anything more than "very good computer speakers" would really be insulting to true hi-fi speakers that do cost several times more.

I like the fact that these do have two drivers on the satellites unlike my one-driver Logitech Z-2200 satellites---the extra driver does afford a bit more finesse and clarity, though of course these cost twice as much as what I paid for my Logitechs.Are they really TWICE as good?Hmmm, I don't know about that...

The downside to these is that they can't match my Logitechs' power, they have about half the RMS.So at moderate levels they do sound crisper but as soon as you crank them you will start to hear clipping and distortion at above 60% volume.The subwoofer on the Altec Lansing is also muddier and slower than the one on my Logitech, on bass-heavy jazz tracks I can hear the low end lagging behind a bit there.

I also like the more refined, conservative styling of these speakers as opposed to the funky, space-age look of the Logitechs.Still, for all the extra cash I'd expect at least equal power and a better subwoofer than the Z-2200.For that reason I'm giving this one a 3, if it were about fifty bucks less I'd give it a 4 easily.

Either way both this and the Logitech 2.1 system are far smarter and better-performing choices than those hideously overpriced Bose speakers.

Computer speakers...Are you kidding me?
I love these speakers!I spent years listening to speakers for my main system, until I found what I wanted.These speakers are nearly as good as speakers that cost more than $1000 and are hooked up to a very good amp and preamp.Quite simply, I have never heard a better computer speaker.You can't afford not to get these if you are in the market for computer speakers and the Amazon price is the best I have found, most places sell this system for $199.I loved them right out of the box, I'm used to having to "burn in" speakers for days, and I love them even more today.I think what sets these speakers apart from the rest is the mid range.These speakers not only have one but it is very clean.A few other people have said they find distortion at high volume, that may be true but personally, I can't turn them more than half way up before they're blowing me back from the computer, so I have never encountered distortion.I primarily use WMP and I find adjusting the graphic equalizer thru the program is much better than trying to make adjustments with the speakers' bass and treble control.Buy these speakers and you'll never regret spending the money.

Best speakers hands down...
I'm a very discerning listener, so I wanted something to hook up to my Bose Wave System, I researched the options available on the market. Since I plug my computer into the Bose unit as well, I wanted a set of speakers that can handle multimedia (music and movies) well.

The first time I hooked up the Altec Lansing MX5021, I was absolutely blown away by the sound. The sound is terrific - nice, clean, high fidelity and faithful reproduction. Plus at this price, it's difficult to beat. I estimate that a set of similar sounding hifi speakers will cost a few thousand dollars... They're THAT good.

The speakers come with 3 drivers and they're powerful too... I got a small room so I listen to the music at 1/5 of the maximum level and it's still enough to fill the room with very rich and powerful sound. Amazing engineering... You can't go wrong with Altec Lansing.

I also like how this product came with many extras not available with other brands - remote, controller, plus a wiping cloth for the speakers... a nice touch.

I've heard and compared this unit to those by Creative, Logitech and also the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks II. But performance wise, this is a clear winner if you want uncolored sound at an unbeatable price. Highly recommended.
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All speaker functions controlled from a control pad about the size of a computer mouse

Converts portable audio devices into high performance mini-systems, with one simple connection

Dual inputs

Tethered control pad and headphone jack module

Reviews (28)

Impressed with Bose
I read several reviews, and had doubts about the value of the Bose Companion 3 Multimedia System.I hadn't tried a Bose product before, so I thought I'd give the brand a try.Now I have no regrets about spending the extra bucks!I love the system.Big, big sound from a small system!The control pad is handy -- volume is easy to control and you can instantly mute the system with a touch on the pad.I'd pay extra for the very handy control pad, if nothing else.But the sound is great at all volumes.I listen to a lot of XM radio and the combo is fantastic.Nonstop music of my choice and great sounding, easy to control speakers while I'm sitting at my computer!

Great Speaker System - A+++
I read the reviews here before purchasing these speakers and i saw mixed results..some good, some bad - as far as i'm concerned, these speakers are the best things i have ever heard coming out of a computer, aside from 5.1 systems, etc. For a 2.1 system it has an incredible range and sounds absolutely marvelous. As far as the "hissing" when no sound is playing, this is absolutely normal for a high quality speaker to do when its new. High Quality speakers, such as these, require a "burn in" period. Its about 20 hours for these little guys, and you just set the computer to play music for hours at a time while your not home at a moderately high volume. This will burn them in and you will notice day to day that the quality of the audio gets better - of course it will get to a point when it won't get any better, but once these speakers are properly burned in there will be no hissing when there is no sound coming out. Overall, this was an A+ product and well worth the money.

Why won't volume fade out?
We bought the BOSE Companion 3 speakers and were happy with the sound, but had to return them because, irritatingly, the sound (when connected to our ipod dock) would never fade out.So, basically, you're forced to mute or listen to a minimum volume that is more than a little too high for a New York appartment.We're a little incredulous that BOSE, for all its famed style and sound quality, wouldn't have noted this deal-killing flaw.... So we've returned them, very disappointed.Would have raved about the sound.

Sounds incredible, a bit overpriced though...
I received a set of Bose Companion 3 speakers as a gift, and they are absolutely fabulous. More than loud enough for a typical computer room. Games, CDs, DVDs etc all sounds great. It's easy to tell which mp3s i used crappy encoding on. Oh well, time to re-rip some of my CDs with a better bitrate...

I dunno if they are the sexiest speakers i've ever seen, but are modern looking and suprisingly small for all the sound they produce. They take up hardly any room on my desk.

The control pod was wierd at first, but after a little bit of using it, it's quite cool. The volume is very smooth, although the mute can be somewhat sensitive at times (it has a touch sensor like in some lamps, etc.). I would have really liked the bass control to be on the pod. Currently you have to reach the rear of the sub to change it, although the subwoofer is versatile enough, it's easy to find a setting that hits w/o overpowering the satelites.

While the satelites have ample cord length, the cabling isn't really that impressive; not to mention it's all permenant. What they ship is what you use, period.

If i were paying for this out of my own pocket, i'd have gotten the 200W Klipsch 2.1 Pro Audio set, for $100 less, it sounds almost as good (if not AS good).

Overall, i couldn't be more pleased with these speakers. They're small, loud and the headphone jack on the control pod makes it easy to put the speakers in out of the way places.

Bose quality sound for your computer
I'll make this short and sweet. They are very cool high end speakers from Bose. There are very few systems out there that will provide the same performance let alone the elgance amd simplicity that Bose provides in all its products.
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This three-piece multimedia speaker system is designed for consumers who want true high-fidelity sound but do not require or have the space for a multi-speaker surround setup. The GMX A-2.1 system is available in 120 and 230 volt versions and delivers dynamic sound from any audio source, including PCs, CD, DVD and MP3 players, game consoles, laptops, television sets and VCRs. By combining high-performance audio, visual appeal and functionality, the A-2.1 is an ideal audio solution for today's multimedia and gaming entertainment devices. ... Read more

Features

Delivers dynamic sound from any audio source, including PCs, CD, DVD and MP3 players, game consoles, laptops, television sets and VCRs

Control pod with two stereo inputs: one dual RCA, one 1/8" minijack, headphone output, power button, and master volume control

Satellites have self-supporting ball-joint pedestals with 45-degree range of motion

Reviews (26)

Simply Amazing!
I use these in my office hooked up to my ipod, and it is quite an amazing experience!If you are researching all the options for ipod speakers this is by far the best one - you just hook this up directly into your ipod or ipod dock. They sound amazing!

Excellent Speaker System
I purchased these speakers a week ago.I decided on these speakers because of Klipsch's reputation for quality.I have to be honest with you.I almost canceled the order after reading so many negative comments on a "hissing" problem these speakers have.There is NO HISS!The only thing I can think of is that the manual clearly indicates that only the satellites are shielded.The sub-woofer is not and must be at least 10 inches from your monitor to prevent interference.Follow the instructions and I'm sure you will agree that these are one of the best speaker systems out there right now.

Good deal
I've been using these Klipsches for over a year now and they are easily worth their money.

PLUS: The sound is crisp, defined, accurate. They really reveal the texture of the sound in detail.
PLUS: Cheap. Good deal.

MINUS: The sound can be so crisp that it is almost harsh.
MINUS: No real midrange. This is okay with jazz, I guess, but loud metal riffs don't pack as much punch.
MINUS: Turning the volume knob causes a slight crackle in one speaker.

These minuses really don't have that much impact. As I said earlier, they are EASILY worth the money.

Sounds great to me. . .
I'm a fifty-ish woman who got an IPod for Christmas and suddenly realized I needed to upgrade my computer speakers. Certainly not a techie or audiophile! A friend recommended Klipsch so this is what I bought. They're pretty easy to set up--the instructions are clear--and I think they sound great! To get what amounts to a new sound system at this price seems like a good deal to me.

At first I heard no trace of the dreaded hiss or hum--and my ears are pretty sharp. But after a few days I realized that when the computer is completely shut down I could hear the barest trace of a hiss coming from the speakers. But when the computer is on the slight noise is completely drowned out by the normal hum of the computer and monitor. And when the computer is completely shut off I'm usually not close enough to hear the hiss at all.

How one figures out in advance if it's going to bother you or not I don't know. But for me these speakers are a 5 so far.

Klipsch does it again!
These speakers are great.I did a lot of research before purchasing speakers, and these came out on top.They are by far, the most powerful 2.1 speakers on the market.They are more expensive then the rest, but its worth it.And as for the hissing sound, Ive been using these daily for 5 months and never ran into that problem.Im a freshmen at Drexel University, and these blow away everyone else's computer speakers and home audio in the dorm.People actually peek in and cant believe such small speakers and woofer can be heard across the building.I would strongly suggest buying this pair of Klipsch speakers.
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Mainstage Surround Sound Speaker System
I am very pleased with the quality of this product. The stereo speakers on my television set have never worked perfectly, emitting an unpleasant, tinny sound at certain frequencies. The Mainstage system has completely corrected that problem. CD's now sound wonderful, especially as compared with how they formerly sounded. I couldn't be more pleased with this product than I am.
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MODEL- MX5021WHTVENDOR- ALTEC LANSING FEATURES- 2.1 Speaker System- Glossy White, Retail packageWhether it's a gently bowed cello or a screaming electric guitarmusically sophisticated ears like yours demand full, accuratesound. Featuring a polished, piano-quality black finish, the MX5021delivers big time in a powered audio system that not only soundsgreat - but looks terrific in your home or office. Two midrangedrivers in each satellite produce extremely responsive sound, whilethe horn-loaded tweeter offers extra-wide dispersion of thosecrystal-clear highs. Not to be outdone, the woofer pumps out deeplows you'll feel in your bones. Add in THX certification forcinema-quality sound, and you've got an excellent alternative to ahigh-end home audio system.* Great Performance - Hear your favorite music accurately reproduced the way you know and love it. * Full, Accurate Sound - Each satellite features two midrange drivers with polypropylene cones for a more responsive, less distorted sound, and a horn-loaded tweeter for wider dispersion. * THX Certified - Enjoy cinema-quality sound! * Wireless Remote and Control Pod - Control of bass, treble, and master volume levels is at your fingertips with both the wireless remote and the control pod. Just sit back and enjoy! * Auxiliary Input Jack - Connect two different audio sources - your CD player and MP3 jukebox - at the same time. * Headphone Jack - For private listening.* Color-coded Cables & Spring Clip Connectors - Ensures you'll be up and running in seconds.* Shielded Satellites - For use near video monitors.Nice electronics is your source for everyday low prices on theAltec MX5021WHT - 2.1 White Speaker System and all other Altec Speakers ... Read more